The Peter Obi Media Office has alert of alleged plots to pad voter register and manipulate elections especially in the South East.
In a statement on Thursday, the Media Office said: “Information received by the Peter Obi Media Office indicates that elements within the ruling APC may be coordinating efforts to weaken confidence in the 2027 general elections, with particular concern regarding the South-East.
The reports allege that operatives linked to the Presidency, together with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have (allegedly) been sent to the region to support the relocation of polling and collation centres and to alter voter records before election day.
“Of even greater concern are allegations that fictitious names may be added to the electoral register, potentially enabling votes to be credited to people who were not present at polling units and did not cast ballots.”
The Office warned that “such conduct would strike at the fundamental basis of democracy and indicate an effort to compromise the electoral process before Nigerians have the opportunity to vote.
“We therefore call on INEC to provide an immediate and transparent explanation of whether it has approved any relocation of polling or collation centres and to release all related changes for public review.
“We further call on INEC to safeguard the integrity of the voter register, undertake an independent review of recent uploads and amendments, and ensure that no individual is recorded as having voted before appearing in person and completing the required voting procedure.”
The statement urged the Presidency to publicly distance itself from any fraudulent scheme of this nature and assure the public that no government agency is being used to manipulate the electoral process.
“We caution that any effort to fabricate votes, change polling locations, or compromise the collation process will be opposed through every lawful and democratic avenue.
“Nigeria cannot afford an election in which the results are purportedly determined before voting begins.
“The ballot must represent the will of genuine voters, not the calculations of desperate politicians.”
Turning to the electoral body, the Media Office said: “INEC must recognise that its credibility is at stake. Nigerians are watching, and the international community must remain equally attentive.
“The 2027 election must be determined by voters, not electoral manipulators,” the statement concluded.
